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PubMed2026

Spermidine and melatonin ameliorate heat stress-induced decline in sheep semen quality.

Heat stress impairs reproductive performance in sheep through endocrine disruption and oxidative stress. This study evaluated the protective effects of spermidine (SPD) and melatonin (MT) supplementation on semen quality in Dorper rams during summer. Twenty-four rams were randomly assigned to a control group, an SPD group (5 mg/kg, dietary supplementation), or an MT group (60 mg, subcutaneous implantation) and treated for 60 days. The temperature-humidity index (THI) was monitored throughout the experimental period. Compared with the control group, MT significantly reduced serum cortisol concentration on day 30 (P < 0.05), whereas no significant differences were observed at the other sampling time points. Serum testosterone, spermidine, and melatonin concentrations remained unchanged throughout the study (P > 0.05). SPD supplementation significantly increased ejaculate volume on day 35 and sperm motility on day 42 (P < 0.05), whereas MT did not significantly affect these parameters. Neither treatment reduced the overall sperm abnormality rate. However, both SPD and MT significantly decreased the proportion of acephalic and decaudated sperm on day 56 (P < 0.05). Neither treatment significantly affected pregnancy rate, delivery rate, or the expression of PMFBP1 and SUN5 proteins in semen (P > 0.05). Regarding oxidative stress, MT significantly downregulated CAT protein expression (P < 0.05), whereas SPD significantly reduced MDA content and SOD1 protein expression (P < 0.05); MT showed similar but non-significant trends for these two markers (P > 0.05). Collectively, these findings demonstrate that SPD and MT exert distinct protective effects against heat stress, with SPD improving selected semen quality traits and both treatments reducing sperm head-tail separation, although these benefits did not translate into improved reproductive performance.

Animals↗

PubMed2026

Temporal evolution of minimally invasive pediatric urolithiasis treatment over 30 years.

Urolithiasis in children has increased substantially over the past 30 years, and surgical management maintains an important role in treatment. Technological advances such as lasers and miniaturization have broadened treatment options, and researchers investigate the best indications for each procedure. The aim was to identify publication trends in the field and explore reasons why Extracorporeal Shockwave Lithotripsy is being gradually less applied in the treatment of pediatric urolithiasis. A Reverse Systematic Review of the literature was conducted regarding the surgical treatment of urolithiasis in children. Five databases were screened, gathering all articles from inception that were evaluated in systematic reviews. We examined 123 publications, 197 reports, and 15,878 procedures, consisting of the largest studied population in the field. There was an increasing number of publications, although in progressively less prestigious journals. The number of studies on miniaturized percutaneous techniques and flexible ureteroscopy has increased closely with the rise in popularity of these procedures worldwide, mainly driven by studies from Asia, Europe, and North America. A trend of self-renewed interest is fueled by technological innovation and has led to fewer publications on Extracorporeal Shockwave Lithotripsy over the years. This review highlights the fact that, despite positive results in recent studies, the low popularity of ESWL within the scientific community is driving a decline in the technique's indications. Moreover, based on the findings of this study, key research priorities include continued reporting of high-quality outcomes, and technological progress in ESWL would contribute meaningfully to the field.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Magnesium sulphate for women at risk of preterm birth for neuroprotection of the fetus.

BACKGROUND: Magnesium sulphate is a common therapy in perinatal care. Its benefits when given to women at risk of preterm birth for fetal neuroprotection (prevention of cerebral palsy for children) were shown in a 2009 Cochrane review. Internationally, use of magnesium sulphate for preterm cerebral palsy prevention is now recommended practice. As new randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and longer-term follow-up of prior RCTs have since been conducted, this review updates the previously published version. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effectiveness and safety of magnesium sulphate as a fetal neuroprotective agent when given to women considered to be at risk of preterm birth. SEARCH METHODS: We searched Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth's Trials Register, ClinicalTrials.gov, and the World Health Organization (WHO) International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP) on 17 March 2023, as well as reference lists of retrieved studies. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included RCTs and cluster-RCTs of women at risk of preterm birth that assessed prenatal magnesium sulphate for fetal neuroprotection compared with placebo or no treatment. All methods of administration (intravenous, intramuscular, and oral) were eligible. We did not include studies where magnesium sulphate was used with the primary aim of preterm labour tocolysis, or the prevention and/or treatment of eclampsia. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two review authors independently assessed RCTs for inclusion, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias and trustworthiness. Dichotomous data were presented as summary risk ratios (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI), and continuous data were presented as mean differences with 95% CI. We assessed the certainty of the evidence using the GRADE approach. MAIN RESULTS: We included six RCTs (5917 women and their 6759 fetuses alive at randomisation). All RCTs were conducted in high-income countries. The RCTs compared magnesium sulphate with placebo in women at risk of preterm birth at less than 34 weeks' gestation; however, treatment regimens and inclusion/exclusion criteria varied. Though the RCTs were at an overall low risk of bias, the certainty of evidence ranged from high to very low, due to concerns regarding study limitations, imprecision, and inconsistency. Primary outcomes for infants/children: Up to two years' corrected age, magnesium sulphate compared with placebo reduced cerebral palsy (RR 0.71, 95% CI 0.57 to 0.89; 6 RCTs, 6107 children; number needed to treat for additional beneficial outcome (NNTB) 60, 95% CI 41 to 158) and death or cerebral palsy (RR 0.87, 95% CI 0.77 to 0.98; 6 RCTs, 6481 children; NNTB 56, 95% CI 32 to 363) (both high-certainty evidence). Magnesium sulphate probably resulted in little to no difference in death (fetal, neonatal, or later) (RR 0.96, 95% CI 0.82 to 1.13; 6 RCTs, 6759 children); major neurodevelopmental disability (RR 1.09, 95% CI 0.83 to 1.44; 1 RCT, 987 children); or death or major neurodevelopmental disability (RR 0.95, 95% CI 0.85 to 1.07; 3 RCTs, 4279 children) (all moderate-certainty evidence). At early school age, magnesium sulphate may have resulted in little to no difference in death (fetal, neonatal, or later) (RR 0.82, 95% CI 0.66 to 1.02; 2 RCTs, 1758 children); cerebral palsy (RR 0.99, 95% CI 0.69 to 1.41; 2 RCTs, 1038 children); death or cerebral palsy (RR 0.90, 95% CI 0.67 to 1.20; 1 RCT, 503 children); and death or major neurodevelopmental disability (RR 0.81, 95% CI 0.59 to 1.12; 1 RCT, 503 children) (all low-certainty evidence). Magnesium sulphate may also have resulted in little to no difference in major neurodevelopmental disability, but the evidence is very uncertain (average RR 0.92, 95% CI 0.53 to 1.62; 2 RCTs, 940 children; very low-certainty evidence). Secondary outcomes for infants/children: Magnesium sulphate probably resulted in little to no difference in severe intraventricular haemorrhage (grade 3 or 4) (RR 0.81, 95% CI 0.64 to 1.04; 6 RCTs, 6542 infants; moderate-certainty evidence) and may have resulted in little to no difference in chronic lung disease/bronchopulmonary dysplasia (average RR 0.92, 95% CI 0.77 to 1.10; 5 RCTs, 6689 infants; low-certainty evidence). Primary outcomes for women: Magnesium sulphate may have resulted in little or no difference in severe maternal outcomes potentially related to treatment (death, cardiac arrest, respiratory arrest) (RR 0.32, 95% CI 0.01 to 7.92; 4 RCTs, 5300 women; low-certainty evidence). However, magnesium sulphate probably increased maternal adverse effects severe enough to stop treatment (average RR 3.21, 95% CI 1.88 to 5.48; 3 RCTs, 4736 women; moderate-certainty evidence). Secondary outcomes for women: Magnesium sulphate probably resulted in little to no difference in caesarean section (RR 0.96, 95% CI 0.91 to 1.02; 5 RCTs, 5861 women) and postpartum haemorrhage (RR 0.94, 95% CI 0.80 to 1.09; 2 RCTs, 2495 women) (both moderate-certainty evidence). Breastfeeding at hospital discharge and women's views of treatment were not reported. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: The currently available evidence indicates that magnesium sulphate for women at risk of preterm birth for neuroprotection of the fetus, compared with placebo, reduces cerebral palsy, and death or cerebral palsy, in children up to two years' corrected age. Magnesium sulphate may result in little to no difference in outcomes in children at school age. While magnesium sulphate may result in little to no difference in severe maternal outcomes (death, cardiac arrest, respiratory arrest), it probably increases maternal adverse effects severe enough to stop treatment. Further research is needed on the longer-term benefits and harms for children, into adolescence and adulthood. Additional studies to determine variation in effects by characteristics of women treated and magnesium sulphate regimens used, along with the generalisability of findings to low- and middle-income countries, should be considered.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Risk Factors and Predictive Model for Postoperative High Myopia in Children Undergoing Congenital Cataract Surgery With Intraocular Lens Implantation.

PURPOSE: To identify risk factors associated with the development of high myopia following congenital cataract surgery and to establish a robust predictive model. DESIGN: Retrospective clinical cohort study. SUBJECTS: This retrospective study included 106 pediatric patients who underwent congenital cataract surgery with primary IOL implantation (mean follow-up 8.19 years). The model was externally validated in an independent cohort of 72 patients with a mean follow-up of 7.83 years. METHODS: Preoperative and postoperative ocular biometric parameters were collected. Risk factors for postoperative high myopia were analyzed using Cox proportional hazards regression, which served as the basis for model construction. The predictive performance of the model was rigorously evaluated for discrimination and calibration. Discriminative ability was quantified using Harrell's C-index and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). Model calibration was assessed via calibration plots by comparing predicted probabilities with actual observed outcomes. Internal validation was performed using a bootstrapping method (500 iterations) to ensure model stability and adjust for potential overfitting. RESULTS: An initial postoperative refraction of <+0.75D, and a higher IOL Power to Axial length Ratio (IOL/AL ratio) were identified as significant risk factors for the development of postoperative high myopia. Shorter preoperative axial length was associated with a greater magnitude of postoperative myopic shift. The predictive model demonstrated robust performance, achieving a C-index of 0.711 (internal validation C-index: 0.713). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) values for predicting high myopia at 5 and 10 years were 0.858 and 0.745, respectively. Furthermore, calibration curves demonstrated excellent agreement between the predicted and observed outcomes throughout the follow-up period. In external validation, the model achieved a C-index of 0.825, 5-year AUC of 0.833, and 10-year AUC of 0.713. CONCLUSIONS: Our analysis established that initial postoperative refraction <+0.75D, and an elevated IOL/AL ratio are key determinants of high myopia risk following surgery. Shorter preoperative axial length was associated with a greater magnitude of postoperative myopic shift. This predictive framework provides clinicians with a practical tool to optimize preoperative IOL selection and identify high-risk infants who require vigilant myopia prevention and balanced amblyopia management.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Low-carbohydrate diet score subtypes and all-cause mortality in general and chronic disease populations: a systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies.

OBJECTIVES: To examine associations of overall, healthy and unhealthy low-carbohydrate diet (LCD) scores with all-cause mortality in general and chronic disease populations. Healthy and unhealthy subtypes were compared with assess whether the observed associations depend on macronutrient quality rather than carbohydrate restriction alone. DESIGN: Systematic review and pairwise category meta-analysis. DATA SOURCES: PubMed, MEDLINE, ProQuest Medical Database and Web of Science Core Collection were searched from inception to 12 May 2026. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: Prospective cohort studies of adults assessing LCD adherence using a validated three-macronutrient composite score and reporting HRs for all-cause mortality were eligible. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS: Two reviewers independently extracted data and assessed study quality using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). Random-effects meta-analyses compared each higher reported LCD category with the lowest category, stratified by LCD score subtype and population type. Certainty of evidence was assessed using NutriGrade. RESULTS: 18 prospective cohort studies included 779 158 participants and 219 457 deaths; all scored 7-9/9 on the NOS. In chronic disease populations, the highest healthy LCD category was associated with lower mortality than the lowest category (HR 0.72, 95% CI 0.69 to 0.76; I²=0%; high certainty), as was the highest overall LCD category (HR 0.85, 95% CI 0.75 to 0.96; I²=68%; high certainty). In the general population, the highest healthy LCD category was not associated with lower mortality than the lowest category (HR 0.93, 95% CI 0.85 to 1.01; I²=69%; moderate certainty), and neither was the highest overall LCD category (HR 0.96, 95% CI 0.90 to 1.03; I²=87%; low certainty). Unhealthy LCD scores were not associated with mortality in either population. CONCLUSIONS: Healthy LCD adherence was associated with lower all-cause mortality, particularly among individuals with chronic diseases. Unhealthy LCD scores were not associated with mortality in either population, suggesting that macronutrient quality and source may matter more than carbohydrate reduction alone.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Effects of carbohydrate mouth rinse on psychophysiological responses, kinematic variables and technical actions during small-sided soccer games.

BACKGROUND: This study investigated the effects of carbohydrate mouth rinsing (CHOMR) on various psychophysiological, kinematic, and technical actions during 4-a-side small-sided soccer games (SSGs). METHODS: In a randomized, crossover, double-blind design, 16 young male soccer players (age: 15 ± 1 years; height: 172.6 ± 7.0 cm; body mass: 57.8 ± 7.9 kg) participated in two 4-a-side SSGs separated by one week following either CHOMR or placebo (PLA). During each SSGs, heart rate (HRmean, %HR, and HRmax), rating of perceived exertion (RPE), enjoyment, visual analogue scale (VAS) to perceived mental fatigue, mood states, total distance (TD), high-speed running distance (HSRD), average metabolic power (AMP), high metabolic load distance (HMLD), sprint distance (SD), acceleration (ACC), deceleration (DEC), and technical actions (e.g. passing, tackling, shooting, and interceptions) were assessed. RESULTS: Compared with PLA, CHOMR resulted in significantly higher RPE (p = 0.025, g = 0.86) and significantly lower VAS scores (p = 0.010, g = -0.71). In addition, the CHOMR condition showed significantly higher values for interceptions, successful tackles, unsuccessful tackles, unsuccessful shots, and goals (p < 0.05, g = 0.96-2.02), whereas block values were significantly higher in the PLA condition. There were no statistically significant differences in HRmean, %HR, HRmax, enjoyment, TD, HSRD, AMP, HMLD, SD, ACC, DEC, successful passes, unsuccessful passes, successful shots, or mood states between the conditions (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The current study findings suggest that CHOMR may enhance selected technical actions and lower VAS scores during 4-a-side SSGs, although it was also associated with higher RPE and did not alter the kinematic responses. In conclusion, CHOMR was associated with higher RPE, lower mental fatigue, and selective improvements in technical actions, with no significant effects on kinematic variables or HR.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Effects of Family-Based Intervention for Childhood Obesity on Parental and Offspring Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Childhood obesity is a global public health issue with strong familial and intergenerational transmission. However, existing syntheses often overlook the active role of parents and fail to assess outcomes beyond the child. This systematic review and meta-analysis specifically investigate the effects of family-based interventions, which position parents as active co-agents of change, on health outcomes for both children with obesity and their parents. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted. Six databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) targeting children with obesity and at least one family member. Primary outcomes were children's BMI z-score and parental BMI; secondary outcomes included other adiposity measures and dietary behaviors. Outcomes for both children and parents were synthesized. Subgroup analyses were conducted based on intervention characteristics. Risk of bias was assessed using RoB 2, and evidence certainty was evaluated using GRADE. RESULTS: Twenty RCTs with 1740 participants were included in the meta-analysis. The interventions demonstrated a significant reduction in children's BMI z-score. Additional benefits were observed for long-term BMI z-score and percentage of total body fat. The most effective interventions commonly integrate health education, behavioral strategies, and motivational support. Subgroup analyses indicated that interventions positioning parents as active co-participants, rather than mere supporters, yielded larger effects. However, no significant effects were found on parental BMI. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that family-based interventions can confer significant benefits for children with obesity. Their success hinges on strategically framing parents as active co-agents and integrating motivational strategies.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Neurological effects of encapsulated dexamethasone sodium phosphate in children aged 6-9 years with ataxia telangiectasia (NEAT): a multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial.

BACKGROUND: Ataxia telangiectasia is a rare, multisystem disorder with progressive cerebellar neurodegeneration and no approved treatments. The efficacy of corticosteroids, including erythrocyte encapsulated dexamethasone sodium phosphate (eDSP), which have been studied for two decades in this disease, has not yet been proven in randomised trials. We aimed to investigate the safety and efficacy of eDSP in children aged 6-9 years with ataxia telangiectasia. METHODS: NEAT was a multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 3 study, conducted at 20 sites across nine countries (Denmark, Germany, Italy, Norway, Poland, Spain, Switzerland, UK, and USA). Eligible participants were children aged 6 years or older weighing at least 15 kg, with a genetic diagnosis of ataxia telangiectasia and presence of neurological symptoms. Participants were randomly assigned (1:1) to the eDSP or placebo group via an independent interactive web response system and were stratified by age (6-9 years or ≥10 years), sex, and region (USA vs other countries). All participants, investigators, sponsors, and raters were masked to treatment assignments. eDSP was given intravenously every 21-30 days for six doses. All randomly assigned participants were included in the intention-to-treat (ITT) and safety populations; the primary and secondary efficacy analyses were conducted in participants aged 6-9 years in the ITT population. The primary efficacy endpoint was the change in Rescored Modified International Cooperative Ataxia Rating Scale (RmICARS) score between baseline and month 6, and a mixed-model-repeated-measures analysis was used. The trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT06193200, and is completed. FINDINGS: Between June 24, 2024, and Dec 17, 2025, we screened 125 participants for eligibility, of whom 105 (84%) were randomly assigned to the eDSP group (n=51 [49%]) or the placebo group (n=54 [51%]) and received at least one dose of treatment. The mean age was 8·5 years (SD 1·9) in the eDSP group and 8·6 years (2·3) in the placebo group (overall age range 6-17 years). In the eDSP group, 24 (47%) of 51 participants were girls and 27 (53%) were boys and, in the placebo group, 26 (48%) of 54 were girls and 28 (52%) were boys. Of ITT participants aged 6-9 years, 38 (95%) of 40 in the eDSP group and 41 (95%) of 43 in the placebo group completed the study. Compared with the placebo group, no significant differences were identified in change in RmICARS score from baseline to 6 months in participants aged 6-9 years: least squares mean difference -1·30 (95% CI -2·77 to 0·18; p=0·085). Adverse events were reported in 47 (92%) of 51 participants in the eDSP group and in 50 (93%) of 54 participants in the placebo group. The most common treatment-emergent adverse events were vomiting, pyrexia, pruritus, nasopharyngitis, cough, headache, and fatigue. There were no reports of treatment-related serious adverse events or deaths. Safety laboratory parameters did not identify adverse effects on growth, metabolism, bone mineral density, or endocrine function in any of the treatment groups. INTERPRETATION: The primary efficacy endpoint was not achieved, because the effect of eDSP on neurological symptoms did not reach statistical significance. The favourable safety profile of eDSP, previously described in a large study of children with ataxia telangiectasia, was confirmed in this trial. The eDSP programme, comprising two randomised studies and treating the largest cohort of patients with ataxia telangiectasia to date, underscores the need for rigorously designed trials of sufficient duration to detect sustained clinical benefit. FUNDING: Quince Therapeutics.

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PubMed2026

Views and Experiences of People With Dementia, Informal Caregivers and Professionals on Eating and Drinking Difficulties: A Qualitative Systematic Review.

AIM: This study aims to explore the views and experiences of people with dementia, informal caregivers and professionals regarding eating and drinking difficulties. DESIGN: A qualitative systematic review was conducted. METHODS: The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis guidelines were used to conduct this systematic review. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist for Qualitative Research, and the data were thematically synthesised using Thomas and Harden's three-stage method. DATA SOURCES: Six electronic databases (PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, CINAHL and PsycINFO) were searched from their respective inception dates to August 2025 to identify relevant studies. RESULTS: Thematic analysis of the 16 included studies identified four key themes: (1) Physiological and psychological changes in people with dementia and caregivers; (2) factors influencing eating and drinking in people with dementia; (3) needs and recommendations for people with dementia, informal caregivers and professionals; (4) selection of eating methods for end-stage people with dementia. CONCLUSIONS: Eating and drinking difficulties affect the well-being of both patients and caregivers. A good dining environment improves mealtime pleasure but demands caregivers' time and energy. All parties emphasised the importance of effective communication. In end-stage dementia, professional assistance is crucial for enteral nutrition decisions. IMPLICATIONS FOR THE PROFESSION AND/OR PATIENT CARE: Collaboration among patients, caregivers and professionals is vital for creating tailored nutritional plans and improving mealtime environments, thereby enhancing nutritional intake. In advanced dementia, providers must provide balanced information on comfort feeding versus enteral nutrition to aid decision-making. IMPACT: What problems were addressed in this study? This study addressed the lack of a consolidated, tri-perspective understanding of eating and drinking difficulties in dementia care settings. What are the main findings? Four key themes were identified: physiological and psychological changes, influencing factors, stakeholder needs and end-of-life decision-making. Where and on whom will the research have an impact? This will impact care practices for people with dementia and inform the training and support of informal caregivers and healthcare professionals.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

The effect of dietetic counseling combined with digital tools intervention on hemodynamic markers in Greek adults: The GATEKEEPER Study.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Hypertension is a leading cardiovascular risk factor with substantial global impact on morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. While lifestyle interventions remain central to management, mHealth technologies offer promising adjunctive support, though their clinical effectiveness remains uncertain. This study evaluated whether combining dietetic counseling with digital tools improves hemodynamic markers in adults aged ≥55 years with increased cardiometabolic risk. METHODS AND RESULTS: This 3-month RCT (NCT05031299) included 954 adults with at least one metabolic syndrome risk factor, allocated 1:1:1 to Standard Care (dietetic counseling), Platform (counseling plus web-based platform), or Platform + Devices (counseling plus platform plus wearables). Outcomes included anthropometrics, lifestyle characteristics, blood pressure, pulse pressure, and estimated pulse wave velocity, analyzed using linear mixed-effects models adjusted for age and sex. All groups improved over 3 months. Waist circumference decreased by -6.29, -4.92, and -4.69 cm across Standard Care, Platform, and Platform + Devices groups respectively, and systolic blood pressure declined by -4.84 to -7.15 mmHg across groups. The Platform + Devices group showed greater increases in physical activity (94.62 MET-min/week; 95% CI 66.49 to 122.76) and greater reductions in pulse pressure (-3.90 mmHg; -6.58 to -1.22) versus Standard Care. Weight loss was associated with lower odds of hypertension (OR 0.4; 95% CI 0.2-0.7), greater likelihood of hypertension reversal (OR 3.6; 1.2-10.3), and higher probability of achieving normal pulse pressure (OR 1.8; 1.1-3.1). CONCLUSIONS: Dietary lifestyle intervention improved cardiometabolic outcomes, with limited added benefit from digital tools. Weight loss was the primary driver of hemodynamic improvement.

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PubMed2026

Associations of red blood cell fatty acids with personality traits: 10-year follow-up in the Kibbutzim Family Study (KFS).

BACKGROUND: The ability of hostility and type-A personality to predict cardiovascular outcomes makes understanding antecedents of these personality traits an important public health objective. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to examine whether blood-measured fatty acids (the exposure) are associated with hostility and type-A personality (the outcome), while accounting for lifestyle, sociodemographic factors, and polygenic background. METHODS: Personality traits, sociodemographic, and lifestyle data were obtained in 1992-1993 from 452 family members living in kibbutz settlements in Israel (visit 1) and remeasured 8 to 10 y later in 379 individuals (visit 2). Red blood cell (RBC) fatty acid concentrations were determined in visit 1 by gas chromatography. Longitudinal associations of visit 1 fatty acids with visit 2 personality traits were examined using linear models, before and after controlling for baseline personality scores. The contribution of environmental factors to personality scores beyond heritability was estimated by variance decomposition. RESULTS: In longitudinal analysis, 1% increase in visit 1 total n-6 (ω-6) fatty acid was associated with a 0.328-unit decrease in visit 2 type-A score [95% confidence interval (CI): -0.571, -0.085]. After adjustment for baseline personality levels, the association was slightly attenuated (β= -0.204; CI: -0.399, -0.009). One percent higher total n-6 was also associated with 1.119 units lower visit 2 hostility score (CI: -2.777, 0.038; P = 0.055). Finally, independent of the genetic contribution (32%-38% of adjusted variability in hostility and type-A personality), 1% increase in total n-3 and total n-6 was associated with 2.539 (CI: -3.907, -1.171) and 0.201 (CI: -0.365, -0.037) units lower hostility and type-A scores, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Higher RBC total n-6 fatty acid concentrations are associated with lower type-A personality scores. After adjustment for baseline personality levels, the associations between total n-6 and hostility and between total n-3 and hostility are attenuated. These findings support further investigation of the relationship between fatty acid biology and personality traits using study designs better suited to causal inference.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Long-term microbiome and clinical effects of a microbiome-guided personalized diet versus low-FODMAP diet in irritable bowel syndrome: A 12-month follow-up randomized controlled trial.

Dietary therapy is central to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) management, yet the long-term durability of the low-FODMAP diet (LFD), and of microbiome-guided personalization, remains unclear. We assessed the long-term clinical and gut-microbiome effects of a microbiome-guided personalized diet (PD) compared with a standard LFD in adults meeting Rome IV criteria for IBS. In this multicenter, open-label randomized controlled trial with blinded outcome assessment, participants who completed a 6-week dietary intervention (PD or LFD) were followed at 6 and 12 months without further dietary intervention. Outcomes included the IBS Severity Scoring System (IBS-SSS), IBS Quality of Life (IBS-QOL), and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS); gut microbiota were profiled by 16S rRNA sequencing. Longitudinal changes were evaluated using linear mixed-effects models, responder analyses, PERMANOVA, and PERMDISP. Both diets reduced IBS-SSS at 6 weeks. PD maintained symptom improvement at 6 and 12 months (-82.0 and -78.3 points from baseline), whereas LFD benefits regressed by 12 months (+29.3 points; between-group p = 0.001). At 12 months, IBS-SSS responder rates were higher with PD than LFD (62.5% vs 34.5%; absolute risk difference +28.0%, 95% CI 4.2-47.7; Fisher p = 0.029), and IBS-QOL, HADS-anxiety, and HADS-depression showed more favourable trajectories with PD. PD was associated with sustained Shannon alpha-diversity gains (+0.488 at 6 weeks; +0.205 at 12 months; both p < 0.01). A modest between-group beta-diversity difference at 6 months (R2 = 0.035; p = 0.011) was not significant at 12 months. This hypothesis-generating follow-up suggests more durable benefit with PD; larger trials powered for long-term clinical and microbiome outcomes are warranted.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Assessing the accuracy and efficiency of an electronic platform for managing childhood illnesses in rural China: A cluster randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: The Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI) faces challenges in capacity building and quality control. This trial aims to assess an electronic IMCI (eIMCI) platform in improving the effectiveness and efficiency in disease classification and management by community health workers (CHWs). DESIGN: Cluster randomized controlled trial. SETTING: Rural western China. PARTICIPANTS: 24 CHWs and 72 ill children aged 2 months to 5 years (3 children per CHW). CHWs were randomly assigned to intervention or control groups. INTERVENTIONS: The intervention CHWs received online training and performed disease management using the eIMCI platform featuring integrated training modules and decision-support tools. The control group received traditional face-to-face training and used paper-based IMCI protocols. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Proportion of children correctly diagnosed or classified by CHWs, as determined by a pediatric specialist. Relative risk (RR) between groups was estimated using Poisson Generalized Linear Mixed Models incorporating a random intercept for CHW to account for clustering of children within individual CHWs and adjusting for key covariates at both the CHW and child levels. RESULTS: The intervention group (13 CHWs, 39 children) had a higher rate of correct classification (64.1%) compared to the control group (11 CHWs, 33 children) (39.4%, P = .056). Multivariable regression analysis confirmed this (RR = 2.1, 95% CI: 1.5-3.1; P < .001). No significant difference was found in correct treatment rates (38.5% vs. 27.3%, P = .316). Online training reduced time and costs by approximately 80%, though with a slight decrease in post-training evaluation scores. CONCLUSIONS: The eIMCI platform shows potential in enhancing IMCI implementation and significantly reducing the training burden in resource-limited settings. Trial registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry: ChiCTR2100042533, https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.html?proj=119995.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Are There Any Effective Behavior Change Strategies for Communicating Genetic Risk in Obesity Prevention and Body Weight Reduction Interventions?

This systematic review examined how differences in intervention components may contribute to inconsistent findings in genetic risk communication studies, addressing obesity-related outcomes (e.g., weight reduction, nutrition behavior, exercise). The review was preregistered (PROSPERO #CRD42024524026) and followed PRISMA guidelines. Searches across eight databases identified 23 randomized controlled trials, covering 18 intervention trials. Risk of bias was assessed using the Risk of Bias 2 tool. A narrative synthesis was used to cluster studies by the content of intervention and control groups. Genetic risk communication alone (no behavioral counseling, addressing nutrition and exercise) or combined with phenotype-based risk was ineffective and sometimes counterproductive among low-risk individuals. When combined with personalized behavioral counseling, effectiveness improved, but only when compared to waitlist control groups or non-personalized behavioral counseling. Significant effects emerged in high-genetic risk subgroups within personalized behavioral counseling, using behavior change techniques such as problem-solving, feedback on behavior, self-monitoring, and environmental changes. The most promising results emerged from complex interventions integrating genetic risk communication into multiple sessions and combining numerous additional behavioral change techniques, such as social reward, cues/prompts, self-reward. Complex personalized interventions combining multiple behavior change techniques and prompting experiential genetic risk awareness show promise for improving weight, nutrition, and exercise-related outcomes.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Immunogenicity and safety of inactivated TZ84- vs. HM175-based hepatitis A vaccines in pediatric populations: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Individual studies indicate stronger and persistent long-term immunogenicity with TZ84-based than HM175-based hepatitis A vaccines. This systematic review and meta-analysis compared immunogenicity and safety of inactivated TZ84- and HM175-based hepatitis A vaccines in children and adolescents. Studies involving adults, immunocompromised populations, non-comparative designs, non-English publications, and studies with non-extractable outcomes were excluded. MEDLINE/PubMed, Google Scholar, other electronic databases, and grey literature were searched (September-October 2025). Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 (RoB 2) tool, and meta-analyses were performed where appropriate. Seven publications arising from four randomized cohorts (total participants: 3,282) reporting seroconversion rates (SCRs), geometric mean concentrations (GMCs), long-term seroprotection, and adverse events (AEs) were identified. Pooled analyses demonstrated higher SCRs and GMCs with TZ84 than HM175-based vaccines following both one and two doses. SCRs at 1 month [odds ratio (OR): 3.05; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.88-4.96] and GMCs at 7 months [standardized mean difference (SMD): 0.88; 95% CI: 0.18-1.58; p = .01] both favored TZ84-based vaccines. Long-term follow-up (up to 186 months/15.5 y) showed higher reported anti-HAV antibody concentrations for TZ84-based vaccines. The AEs were comparable between vaccine types (RR: 0.95; 95% CI: 0.76-1.20; p = .69). Evidence was limited by the small number of unique randomized cohorts, geographic concentration in China, heterogeneity across studies, and reliance on surrogate immunogenicity outcomes. Overall, available evidence suggests that TZ84-based hepatitis A vaccines (HAPIBEV™/HEALIVE®) are associated with higher reported antibody responses and greater reported antibody persistence than the HM175-based vaccine (HAVRIX®) in children and adolescents, with comparable safety profiles.Registration: PROSPERO CRD420251154480.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Type, severity, frequency and management of adverse reactions associated with ultrasound contrast agents: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: This systematic review and meta-analysis are aimed at evaluating the incidence of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) following administration of clinically approved ultrasound contrast agents (UCAs) in adults and children, to assess risks in patients with cardiovascular disease and in pregnancy, and to evaluate the effectiveness of emergency management of severe ADRs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A PRISMA 2020 systematic review was conducted searching PubMed, Scopus, and Embase. Two reviewers independently screened, extracted data, and assessed quality. Incidence estimates were pooled when feasible, stratified by age group, contrast agent, and administration route. RESULTS: Seventy-four studies encompassing > 1 million adults and > 36,000 children were included, contributing multiple analytic cohorts to the quantitative synthesis. Severe acute ADRs were extremely rare (6 and 16 cases per 100,000 in adults and children, respectively) and absent following endocavitary administration in children. Non-severe acute ADRs occurred in 11 and 8 cases per 10,000 adults and children, respectively. Delayed reactions were very rare (< 1 case per million in adults). No significant safety differences emerged between UCA products. The incidence of ADRs in patients with cardiovascular disease was analogous to the general population. No ADRs were reported in pregnant women. Standard emergency management was effective in almost all serious cases, though rare fatalities occurred. CONCLUSION: UCAs show an excellent safety profile in adults and children, with very rare severe ADRs and few non-severe, typically self-limiting reactions. Strict adherence to recommended emergency management protocols mitigates the remaining risks, supporting safe use across a broad range of clinical indications. PROSPERO REGISTRATION: CRD42023432668. KEY POINTS: Question What is the incidence, type, and severity of acute and delayed ADRs associated with clinically approved UCAs across different patient populations? Findings Severe acute adverse reactions are very rare, and non-severe reactions are rare and self-limiting, with no significant safety differences between adults, children, or patients with cardiovascular disease. Clinical relevant UCAs show an excellent safety profile across populations. These findings support their safe clinical use as reliable alternatives to iodine-based and gadolinium-based contrast agents in routine diagnostic imaging.

Contrast Media↗

PubMed2026

Low-burden metrics for monitoring healthy diets among nonpregnant females aged 15 to 49 years: a multicountry validation analysis using quantitative 24-hour dietary intake data.

BACKGROUND: Limited nationally representative quantitative dietary intake data and a lack of consensus on lower-burden tools and metrics hinder high-frequency monitoring of healthy diets globally. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the comparative construct validity and potential complementarity of low-burden metrics of a healthy diet among nonpregnant females aged 15 to 49 y. METHODS: Quantitative 24-h dietary intake data collected from 77,118 adolescent and adult females across 27 countries were used to construct low-burden metrics and reference metrics of dietary intake. Associations between mean-standardized low-burden measures or indicators and reference metrics were assessed using linear and logistic mixed-effect models, with Spearman's ρ used for survey-level rank correlations. Test characteristics identified low-burden indicators best differentiated adherence to reference indicators. RESULTS: An indicator reflecting nonconsumption of sweet foods and/or sweet beverages was most robustly associated with greater adherence to <10% energy from free sugars in upper-middle-income countries {odds ratio [OR] [95% confidence interval (CI)]: 5.35 [5.05, 5.66]}. Food group diversity score (FGDS) was most strongly associated with and differentiated higher mean adequacy ratio of micronutrients [β of 1-standard deviation (SD) change: ∼11 percentage points (9, 12); ρ: 0.79], whereas noncommunicable disease-Protect score best reflected consumption of ≥400 g/d of fruits and vegetables [range OR of 1-SD changes (95% CI): 2.56-3.01 (2.40, 3.13) in lower-middle and high-income countries, respectively; ρ: 0.56]. FGDS and Global Diet Quality Score Positive were most consistently associated with achieving ≥25 g/d of fiber and ≥3510 mg/d of potassium across contexts. CONCLUSIONS: Low-burden data collection tools yield valid metrics, enabling high-frequency monitoring of healthy diets across contexts. Specifically, avoiding sweet foods and/or sweet beverages is an indicator for adherence to WHO free sugar guidelines among nonpregnant females in upper-middle-income countries, whereas metrics reflecting nutritious food group diversity strongly reflect better micronutrient adequacy and adherence to WHO guidelines for fruits and vegetables, fiber, and potassium intakes within and across contexts.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Exploring the role of successful exercise-induced body weight loss on cardiometabolic health in individuals with metabolic syndrome.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is known to improve cardiorespiratory fitness (i.e., VO2MAX), a key marker of cardiometabolic health in individuals with metabolic syndrome (MetS). Nonetheless, body weight loss is widely recognized as a crucial factor in reducing insulin resistance and improving metabolic risk factors. Thus, we aimed to determine the importance of body weight loss following exercise training on improving MetS. METHODS AND RESULTS: Two hundred and twenty-eight adults (55.3 ± 7.9 yr) with overweight/obesity (32.5 ± 4.6 kg·m-2) and MetS were randomized to: a) standard health care non-exercise group (CONTROL group, N=58) or b) standard health care plus 16 weeks of HIIT (EXER group, N=170). MetS (MetS z-score), insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2PEAK), maximal cycling power (WPEAK), and body weight/composition were assessed. After intervention, EXER group participants were divided according to their weight loss response to training: i) those achieving the weight loss predicted from estimated exercise energy expenditure (-BW group, n=78; -3.3 ± 2.2 kg); ii) those not reaching the expected weight loss (=BW group, n=38; -0.7 ± 0.5 kg); iii) and those who gained weight (+BW group, n=54; 1.1 ± 1.0 kg). VO2PEAK significantly improved regardless of body weight loss response (-BW, 0.3 ± 0.3; =BW, 0.2 ± 0.3; +BW, 0.3 ± 0.2 L·min-1; all p < 0.001) compared to CONTROL group (0.0 ± 0.3 L·min-1). However, significant improvements in MetS z-score (-0.31 ± 0.41) and HOMA-IR (-0.7 ± 1.6) were observed only in the -BW group (both p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Exercise recommendations should consider that greater improvements in MetS are observed when interventions are accompanied by successful body weight loss. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05120778.

Humans↗